Monday, July 15, 2002

John Walker Lindh Press Release

Government Dismisses All Terrorism Charges Against John Lindh, Including Conspiracy to Kill Americans Charge, In Exchange For Plea Agreement to Two Counts

Alexandria, Virginia * July 15, 2002 *

Lawyers for John Lindh announced today that the government has agreed to drop all terrorism charges against Mr. Lindh, including the most serious -- conspiracy to kill Americans -- in exchange for a guilty plea to two counts: supplying services to the Taliban, a regulatory violation set forth at 31 C.F.R. §§ 545.204 & 545.206(a); and carrying a rifle and two grenades while supplying services to the Taliban, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(h)(2).

The government is dismissing the al Qaeda and Harakat al-Mujahideen terrorist counts. James J. Brosnahan, lead defense counsel, said, " The plea agreement makes clear Mr. Lindh never bore nor currently bears allegiance to al Qaeda, Harakat al-Mujahideen, or any other terrorist organization. In addition, Mr. Lindh bears no allegiance to the Taliban. " The government also agrees not to pursue Mr. Lindh as an unlawful enemy combatant.

The plea agreement provides that the government will move to dismiss Counts 1 through 8, and Count 10 of the Indictment, including the alleged involvement or overt act relating to the death of Johnny Micheal Spann.

Each of the two counts carries a maximum penalty of ten years ' imprisonment, to run consecutively. The parties stipulated to the applicable guidelines and calculations as set forth in the plea agreement and mandated by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Conviction after trial on the offenses charged in the Indictment could have resulted in life imprisonment for Mr. Lindh, who turned 21 years old earlier this year.

All claims of mistreatment of Mr. Lindh have been withdrawn, and his continued cooperation is an indication of his lack of hostility towards our armed services.

Mr. Lindh wishes to thank those who have supported him, especially his family. John has stated his intention to devote himself to study.